Here's another quick drop to go with the Terminator X piece from yesterday. Sorry that there's some crackles and pops on this one but it's not terrible, just a little worn.
Just a quick drop today. Here are two super-dope vinyl only releases from I-Power. We believe most of the vinyl is sold-out; however we suggest you contact DJ Mo Funk directly (see below) for info. Peace to Verge for the 320 rips. --Philaflava
A1 Play Da Back A2 Break Da Rulez A3 Alternative B1 Props, Loot & Credit Remix B2 Fast Cash B3 Today's Signs
Believe me, no introduction is needed to what Public Enemy has achieved in their long and illustrious career, both culturally and musically. The famous collective of talented, hardhitting and politically-charged hip-hoppers has had their music heard all over the world, from Radio Raheem's stereo to live shows in London.
But the members of Public Enemy have always been an odd, obscure bunch of artists with their own unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities that made them such an exciting group to listen to--and it was their strong personalities that beat us over the head for more than twenty years. We all know Chuck D., the group's frontman, primary vocalist, leader and poet, whose commanding, charismatic voice still resonates in our ears. To this day he has maintained an extremely straight edge life style, resisting meat, alcohol and drugs--the man hasn't even tasted coffee. Flavor Flav, the group's hype-man and arguably most famous member (sadly), has never shyed from showing off his wild and insane antics to the world, from yelling his ass off on stage, to picking up attempted murder and domestic violence charges, to starring on weird MTV reality shows. Professor Griff, once a soldier in the army, started out as a bodyguard of sorts, working for a private security service hired by local hip-hop acts for parties and shows, where he met an aspiring DJ-for-hire by the name of Chuck D. He was (and still is) a proficient martial artist, having studied Chinese Wushu and Japanese Karate among other forms. He was later kicked out of the group for controversy surrounding his ridiculous and odious anti-semitic comments to British media outlets, but later rejoined in the mid 90's.
But where the hell is Terminator X, you ask me? Why haven't you written about him yet? Well, since I'm here pretending like you haven't read the title, good question. Terminator X is and always will be the most overlooked member of Public Enemy. Period. Nevermind the track "Terminator X to the Edge of Panic," in which Chuck D. shouts him out repeatedly over a classic turntable hook that everyone who has or hasn't seen Friday Night Lights knows and loves. Simply put, the success, fame, and influence of Public Enemy will forever shadow the role of Terminator X as the group's DJ, as well as the solo masterpieces he put out during the nineties. His reticent and shy personality has put him at a disadvantage over his bandmates for media glory, and unfairly so. But there is no use to complain about this--every group needs a glue guy in the background doing his damn thing without attention. All the members can't be getting pinched and doing bids in Riker's Island; that wouldn't suffice, would it?
In 1991, Terminator X collaborated with various and mostly unknown artists to create his first solo album, the classic Terminator X & the Valley of the Jeep Beets. On this gem, X demonstrates not only his sublime turntabling skills--maybe the best ever through an entire album--but also his deft handling of production. The head-bobbing drums and heavy basslines on this album will simply kick your ass. Song lyrics are similar in style and theme to the politically-charged, black activism of Public Enemy, but with a wider range in artists and perspectives. Standout tracks include "Buck Whylin'" with Chuck D. and Sister Souljah (yes, that Sister Souljah--who also happens to be an author and contributor to The New Yorker), "Back to the Scene of the Bass" with The Interrogators, and "The Blues" with Andres 13, as well as my personal favorite, "Juvenile Delinquentz" by the Juvenile Delinquentz. Befitting of it's producer and DJ, the album stands as one of the most underrated works of the 90's.
Terminator X has carved out a place in hip-hop history as one of the greatest and most versatile DJ's to ever operate a turntable, up there with Eric B., Preme, Flash, and Jazzy Jeff among other legendary disc-jockeys.
So what weird, otherworldly endeavours could Terminator X possibly be involved in now? What is he up to that we haven't already seen from Public Enemy's other members? Well according toThe Guardian, he currently owns an ostrich farm. Yes, I just said ostrich farm. Flavor Flav's bachelor show ain't got shit on that.
"Juvenile Delinquentz" is a particularly fascinating song, told from the perspective of three black teenagers condemning the biases shown in America's educational system. Although I don't agree with some of the anti-school messages present, much of what is said holds serious weight. Kids are taught everything in America's "glorious" past from American independence to the World Wars--which are important historical events--yet much of the facts behind slavery, colonialism, and African roots are missing to a people that had their roots taken from them long ago. The educational system has definitely improved, but the song is nonetheless an interesting description of what I'm sure many students must have felt not so long ago.
It’s time for some more literal Phila flava. Before Stoupe the Enemy of the Mankind began to work almost exclusively for members of Jedi Mind Tricks and Army of the Pharaohs (with exceptions for artists like Canibus, Guru and Reks) he was starting out with groups like Soulcraft, Doublespeek and Neso in the mid to late nineties.
“…I had a very brief career as an MC. Stoupe and I had a group called Doublespeek with another friend. We put out one 12” in 1996 just before the birth of Superegular. I think it went copper? I never saw the final SoundScan numbers on that one.” ~ Ryan Donahue (in a Baby Grande Interview)
This is that one 12”, which, if you can find, will now likely cost you a couple bills. But now thanks to the Illest EPsthread (among other places), you can hear it right here:
A1 - Trial By Stone ft. Arch Leon & Yan (Produced by Stoupe)
A2 - Trial By Stone (Remix) ft. Arch Leon & Yan (Produced by Stoupe)
A3 - Trial By Stone (Instrumental) (Produced by Stoupe)
B1 - Remind Body ft. Arch Leon & Yan (Produced by Stoupe)
B2 - Remind Body (Instrumental) (Produced by Stoupe)
B3 - Black China ft. Arch Leon, Jay Block & Yan (Produced by Stoupe)
As forum memberkimani said: “...this EP is very good, give it a listen if you haven't, regardless of whether or not you like Stoupe or Jedi Mind Tricks.”
And (thanks to Kevin Beacham) this is yet another T.R.O.Y. exclusive, one of the earlier Superegular releases:
B1 - Mad Coolout ft. Teniweti, Arch Leon, Jack Block, Kaosm, Oddball & Qan (Produced by Stoupe)
B2 - Mad Coolout (Instrumental) (Produced by Stoupe)
B3 - The Move (Remix Instrumental) (Produced by Stoupe)
B4 - The Balance ft. Karesh (Produced by Stoupe)
Two other early Stoupe produced releases, a ’96 single / EP also by Neso called Subject to Change and ‘94’s Common Thread EP by Soulcraft still haven’t surfaced online (at least not yet).
But then of course there's the most well known Stoupe produced EP from the '90s and that's Jedi Mind Trick's first release, The Amber Probe EP:
B3 - Books of Blood: The Coming of Tan ft. El Eloh (Produced by Stoupe)
Thanks to both Ho1ogramz and kimani for posting / reupping Doublespeek links, to the Kaknado blog for providing a working link to the Amber Probe EP and as always, mad props to Kevin Beacham, this time around for scanning the one sheet and ripping / upping the original links to Neso's The Move 12" in this crazy thread, which contains a lot of freestyles, demos and assorted rarities (if you didn't already know).
I'm just speaking for me, not the blog but I also believe it's a very legit question too. When you put it down on paper and realize all of the Philly legends, microphone masters, turntable technicians, classics hits and summer anthems it's an argument worth making.
Obviously, NYC is number one but when you think about how Philly changed the game and continues to deliver the top talent what city/state takes its spot? L.A? Atlanta? Jersey? Houston? Detroit? Think about it...
Here are just some (not complete) of some Philly representatives. Schoolly D Steady B DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince DJ Cash Money Three Times Dope The Roots Beanie Sigel Freeway Kurupt Bahamadia Jedi Mind Trick Dice Raw Eve CHOPS Peedi Crakk Cassidy Rosco P. Coldchain Gillie Da Kid Sandman iCON Chief Kamachi Reef The Lost Cauze Outerspace Maylay Sparks Baby Blak Young Chris Truck North Ram Squad Mountain Brothers 100x Tasc4orce Jamal (Illegal) Dat Fat Cat Clique The Kartel Last Emperor Da Youngsta's Munk Wit Da Funk Grand Agent Known Rulers High & Mighty Philly's Most Wanted
With another T.R.O.Y. challenge on and poppin' we got a lot of downloading to do. Take some time and check out these dope mixes. We'll be voting this Monday on the best one. Enjoy the weekend! --Philaflava
Woofy's Mix 01-Team Demolition - Odessa's on the Wheels Again (2000) 02-Vyle - Post-Paleaeontologist (2002) 03-Serengeti - Paper Plates (2002) 04-Carl Kavorkian - Scatter Brain (2002) 05-Hi-Fidel & DJ Crucial - Vega (2002) 06-Left - Wandering (2002) 07-Mozes Gunn - Bombageddon (2000) 08-Dreamweavers - Co2 (2001) 09-Greek - the Perfect Storm (2002) 10-Butterfly Swift - Pulsar Star (2002) 11-Mic. T - Supreme Delux (2000) 12-the Nothing - Who R U (1998) 13-Sprawlic Stream - Rite of Passage (1999) 14-the Writers Guild - Tear Jerka (2000) Boothe's Mix High & Mighty - B-Boy Document (1998) Aceyalone - Accepted Eclectic (2000) Matt Fingaz, Punchline & Wordsworth - Just Ask Us (1999) Mos Def & Talib Kweli - Another World (Ambivalence Remix) (1998) Natural Resource - Heavy Loungin (1999) Ed O.G. - Sayin' Somethin' (2000) Polyrhythm Addicts - Big Phat Boom (1999) Pep Love - Trinity Lost (1999) J-Rawls - Turn It Forward (2002) Hobo Junction - On A Scope (1999) Swollen Members - Bless + Destroy (1999) Joey Chavez - Reservation 4 One (1998)
Freezy Pazzy - TROY Indie Mix ('98 To '02) 1/ CAGE "Too Much" (2002) 2/ BLAHZAY BLAHZAY "Good For Ya Club" (1999) 3/ DEFARI "Say It Twice" (2000) 4/ POLYRHYTHM ADDICTS "Take Me Home" (1999) 5/ COMPANY FLOW "End To End Burners" (1998) 6/ INSIGHT feat. Mr LIF "Universal" (2000) 7/ J-ZONE feat. HUGGY, KOBAYASHI & TRIP "Candy Razors" (1998) 8/ LARGE PROFESSOR & NEEK THE EXOTIC "Rhyme Mania '99" (1999) 9/ MONEY BAZZ "New York New York" (1998) 10/ ED O.G. "I Feel You" (1998) 11/ OKTOBER "10452" (2001) 12/ QNC "Gotta Give" (2002) 13/ DECLAIME feat. MEDAPHOAR "Do That Dance" (2001) 14/ RASCO "Run The Line" (1999)
Verge's Mix 01. Self Scientific - Return (1998) 02. Eternal Meazure - Reign Supreme (1999) 03. Juggaknots - WKRP In NYC (2001) 04. Poetic - Savior (1998) 05. W.A.R. - Fix Your Face (2000) 06. 50/50 - Something Ain't Right (J Force Remix) (1999) 07. Mudkidz - Water To Earth H2O (1998) 08. Mass Influence - Space Cases (1998) 09. C Rayz Walz - Degrees (2001) 10. Louis Logic - Factotum (2000) 11. Binary Star - Glen Close (1999) 12. Last Emperor - Charlie (1999) 13. Yah Supreme - Winter In Brooklyn (2002) Markshot's Mix 01. Insight - Music Lover (2002) 02. One Man Army - Take It 2 The Stage Feat. Decompoze (2002) 03. Thirstin Howl III - The Polorican (1999) 04. Edan - Beautiful Food (2002) 05. L'Roneous Da'Versifier - Doctrines Of The Lip Swift (2002) 06. Virtuoso - One (2001) 07. Motion Man - Play Dough (2002) 08. The Bad Seed - Pockets (2001) 09. Micranots - Queen Supreme (2000) 10. People Under The Stairs - Yehaw Partystyles (2000) 11. J-Live - Wax Paper (1999 or 2001) 12. Athletic Mic League - Trouble (2002) 13. Masters Of Illusion - Time 2 Get Right (2000) 14. All Natural - Renaissance Feat. Lone Catalysts (2001)
Nojiveturkey's Mix 1. A.T.S - Ariginal Trend Setters (2001) 2. Fousion of Syllabes - Bed of Nailz (2001) 3. Cre8 - Cre8ivity (2002) 4. J-Zone - Kizzy's Revenge (1999) 5. Dynamic Syncopation - Dedicated (1999) 6. Tame One - Doin Me (2000) 7. Third Sight - Gas Chamber (1999) 8. Rubix - Elegy (2001) 9. Discreet Merchants - Mouth of Madness (2000) 10. Bamboo - From the Get Up (1999) 11. Sub Contents - Tables Turn (1999) 12. Mathematik - Learn to Earn (2000)
1998-2002 Indie Era T.R.O.Y. Challenge by aREAL: 01-Dirty Face Angels - MOElogical (1999) 02-Godfather Don - Live And Let Die (1999) 03-The B.L.U.N.T.E.D Crew - Keep Your Head (1999) 04-Gauge The Mental Murdarah - Bring It To Me (1999) 05-Rawcotiks - Real Heads (1999) 06-Amo Lab - New Days (1998) 07-Sci-Fi & Hands - Poison Of Choice (2001) 08-Kutfather - Thoughts I Generate (1998) 09-Ship Of Fools - Claiming Your Style (1998) 10-Superscientifiku - Taking Of The Days (2002) 11-Anomos & Stealth - Club Crucial (1998) 12-2 Tone Committee - One (2002) Aleph's Mix (link coming soon) 01 DJ Spinna- Joc Max Preface (1999 Rawkus) 02 Encore- It's Time (Ode to Breaking Atoms) (2001 Brick) 03 Beans- Nude Paper (2000 Mo'Wax) 04 Murs- 24 Hrs W/a G (2000 Veritech) 05 Unspoken Heard- The Music (1999 Seven Heads) 06 Jedi Son of Spock- The Journey (1998 Head Bop) 07 Dr. Oop- Deep Impact (1998 PUTS) 08 All Natural- It's OK (1998 All Natural) 09 Stronghold- Big As Ya Mouth (2001 Stronghold) 10 Tame One- Torture Chamber (1999 Fat Beats) 11 Styles Of Beyond- Ambiguous Figures (1999 Loosegroove) 12 Sadat X- Minneapolis (2002 Up Above) 13 Pumpkinhead- Dynamic (remix) (1998 Makin')
You might know Basta (aka Kyozai) as being the owner of the rare cassette blog, Music-Thingz.
Recently, he blessed us with a nice portion of his tape collection at philaflava T.R.O.Y. forum. Here at The T.R.O.Y. blog, we wanted to give these tapes their deserved shine and Basta the proper recognition he's earned, to the people outside of the philaflava forum.
I will split his tapes in several posts, giving you enough time to digest this massive work.
There will be no previews, but c'mon, the hilariously awesome covers alone warrant a download.
Enjoy!
MMG 2 Black 2 Strong - Across the 110 (1991) (Harlem, NY)
One of my favorite pieces from my vinyl collection. I picked this up back in 1996 just for Method Man's "P.L.O. Style" remix and I was pleasantly surprised with all the other tracks. In the last few years I've tracked down audio for just about everything that Frankenstein has ever done. I sure wish he'd come out from wherever he's hiding (a teacher in Canada?) and bless us with some new material.
Sorry for beating a dead horse, but apparently it isn't dead yet. Our homie YN had a little something to add to our operation and until we see change I don't see why we would stop reporting on it.
Who are you and what have you done with Guru? Seriously, we go from the emotional rollercoaster ride of thinkin' we're gonna lose one of the game's greatest MCs to some sick pathetic soap opera involving a man of no blood or kin relation denying family members the right to see their loved one. Now yes Keith Elam may not wanna reconcile with folks he hasn't been on good terms with for the past seven years but that's his decision not yours. From the outside lookin' in, you seem really shady. And if Guru's nephew claim is true that you signed documents as Keith Elam's brother and your wife as his sister than that's just plain alarming. An abuse of power. Releasing statements to websites and official Twitter accounts in Guru's name when he doesn't appear to be able to speak on his own behalf is also misleading and completely wrong. Be clear: At this point the only thing relevant and important is the status of Guru's health. Nobody gives a fuck about you or 7 Grand. Guru's legacy is Gang Starr. DJ Premier and Guru made classics. You and Guru make crap. And you should get slapped for meddling in family business.
How many blogs, rappers, producers, fans or family members must it take to get a honest update without any Joe Jackson-like opportunist agendas thrown in the mix? --Philaflava
You might know Basta (aka Kyozai) as being the owner of the rare cassette blog, Music-Thingz.
Recently, he blessed us with a nice portion of his tape collection at philaflava T.R.O.Y. forum. Here at The T.R.O.Y. blog, we wanted to give these tapes their deserved shine and Basta the proper recognition he's earned, to the people outside of the philaflava forum.
I will split his tapes in several posts, giving you enough time to digest this massive work.
There will be no previews, but c'mon, the hilariously awesome covers alone warrant a download.
A short tape only release by Phoenix artist Ernest Dye. I absolutely don't have a single info about him or if he had had more releases. If any of you have some more info about anything considering Ernest Dye, this release or maybe about some other of his releases, feel free to share. Enjoy!
Ernest Dye - On The Real Side (1995)
01. On The Real Side (West Coast Mix) 02. On The Real Side (West Coast Instrumental) 03. On The Real Side (East Coast Mix) 04. On The Real Side (East Coast Instrumental)
There's no need to skirt the subject: I Am Canadian. Chinese-Canadian, as a matter of fact. And I'm proud of it. My family hailing originally from China, I was born in Toronto, Ontario, the economic and cultural capital of Canada. At around the age of four I moved with my family to New York City (peace to the Upper West Side!), and that is where my brother first introduced me to rap; I bought my first rap album, saw my first rap music video, and basically fell in love with the music. Eventually we moved back to Canada (Western, now) where I currently live. And every day since we left Manhattan, I have cringed at the idea of Canadian hip-hop. Like most American hip-hop fans, I've been spoiled with release after dope ass release of 90's East Coast classics—to the point where I would have ignored everything else a few years ago.
Let me be first to admit that I couldn't have been more wrong.
What I failed to realize was that, for over two decades, artists from my own country were putting in major work on the hip-hop circuit. Right under my damn nose, cats like Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, and DJ Ron Nelson were establishing hip-hop as a legitimate genre in Canadian music. You want me to be corny and say it's taught me a lesson?—well, it's taught me a lesson. This is my chance to do the right thing like Spike Lee.
So yes, I am doing this as much for myself as I am for the loyal readers at TROY. It's a chance for me to explore the talent of my own country while bringing you fresh records for your own collections. There are so many great Canadian hip-hop acts that deserve shine, I can only hope to do this series justice. Every now and then I will post an album or two from a different Canadian artist, either from my own collection or from our always-reliable contributors at Philaflava. Where the hell would we be without you guys?
I’ve started this series to shed light on a hip-hop scene that’s been overlooked by both mainstream and underground circuits since day one, and it’s been a long time coming for Canadian rappers, old and new. In the mid-eighties Canadian record companies were still reluctant to sign and promote black music, and artists were forced to form independent labels with poor marketing and what started out as an inadequate fan base. There were no Rick Rubins or Russell Simmons’ to jump start the popularity of hip-hop in Canada, and as a result, this has led to widespread ignorance of Canadian talent. And despite KRS-One shouting out “Ron Nelson and the Toronto posse” in the liner notes of Criminal Minded, most fans in the United States still refuse to take Canadian hip-hop seriously.
See, as much as we claim to be open-minded and keen on peeping different styles from different regions, we all know this isn’t always true; shit, search a “Fuck Compton” video from 1991 on Youtube and you still have idiots arguing over which coast is better. The point is, regional biases always exist, and stereotypes are hard to displace.
Well, at TROY we’re here to break your damn biases and your regional preferences. Or at the very least, get you to open up your minds.
Before I delve into specific artists and crews of different eras, our first joint is going to be the quintessential compilation of Canadian hip-hop, a perfect introduction: The Cold Front Rap Compilation. In 1991 various hip-hop acts from Toronto banded together to display the diverse and largely unknown talent of the Far North. On this comp you will find some of the nicest acts of the 80's and 90's, and not just in Canada: Maestro Fresh Wes, Main Source, Dream Warriors and KGB, among others.
Major props to Who_Produced_It at Philaflava for ripping this album from his own collection and sharing it with us. This is much appreciated. Also props to kotep and the rest of the contributors at The Canadian Hip-Hop Thread on Philaflava for inspiring this series. For additional information, check out the fantastic Canadian hip-hop blog: Living Underwater.
Cold Front Rap Compilation (1991):
1. CIUT 89.5 - Master Plan Show Spot (0:16)
2. Maestro Fresh Wes - Black Tie Affair (4:24)
3. Base Poet - When I Went To Buy Milk (4:30)
4. Sweet Ebony - With This (5:09)
5. Dream Warriors - 12 Sided Dice (4:24)
6. Large Professor - CKLN 88.1 Power Move Show Spot (0:32)
7. Main Source - Atom (2:56)
8. Sonyalive - I'm Coming Into Consciousness (3:35)
Please, do yourself a favor and tune into these cuts—you will not regret it. I know many of the die-hard heads here already have an extensive knowledge on a lot of these artists, but hopefully you will find something new, or just have a good time revisiting some of this nostalgia. Without any reservation, I can say that this is one of the greatest compilations in the history of hip-hop. No other collection of songs represents an entire region of hip-hop like the Cold Front Rap Compilation.
My favorite tracks on this collection have to be Maestro Fresh Wes' "Black Tie Affair" and Main Source's "Atom" (also a bonus on the re-issue of Breaking Atoms). Another favorite of mine came as a pleasant surprise: Sonyalive's "I'm Coming into Consciousness." She has one of the most relaxing flows and thoughtful lyrics out of her peers. I have, however, had a difficult time finding any online information about Sonyalive—her name even comes up blank on Discogs. If any of you have information or additional music from her, please let me know.
As hip-hop heads we should be trying to limit our regional biases. We’re always trying to find the freshest sound regardless of where it comes from. See, it might not always seem like it, but hip-hop is an art form that truly transcends race, ethnicity, gender, and, especially pertinent here, borders.
Now, I still have a long way to go in exploring all the realms of Canadian hip-hop, but there will be a lot of opportunities to learn here. Canadian rappers have been some of the best kept secret, despite what the spoiled New Yorker in me initially thought. I’m sure this series is going to be a long and satisfying ride.
Enjoy, and stay tuned for more! If you have any suggestions don't hesitate to hit me up in the comments or at the Philaflava forums.
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